CategoryChicken, Main Courses, Meat
Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet is a one-pan Southern-inspired dish packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and spicy, seasoned rice. The dish is infused with smoky, garlicky Cajun spices, bell peppers, and onions, creating a rich and satisfying meal. This easy, 40-minute dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized for extra heat!
For the Cajun Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Rice
1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup diced tomatoes (or canned)
Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Season and Cook the Chicken
1
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
2
- Heat More Oil:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Cook the Rice
3
- Toast the Rice:
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice with spices.
- Simmer the Rice:
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until rice is cooked.
Finish the Dish
4
- Return the Chicken:
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Add Lemon and Garnish:
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
Serve and Enjoy
5
- Plate the Dish:
- Serve hot, with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Pair with Sides:
- Enjoy with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips
6
- For a Creamier Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Make It Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use Brown Rice: Increase broth to 2½ cups and simmer for 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Rice
1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup diced tomatoes (or canned)
Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
Season and Cook the Chicken
1
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
2
- Heat More Oil:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Cook the Rice
3
- Toast the Rice:
- Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice with spices.
- Simmer the Rice:
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until rice is cooked.
Finish the Dish
4
- Return the Chicken:
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Add Lemon and Garnish:
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
Serve and Enjoy
5
- Plate the Dish:
- Serve hot, with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Pair with Sides:
- Enjoy with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips
6
- For a Creamier Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Make It Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use Brown Rice: Increase broth to 2½ cups and simmer for 35 minutes.
Notes
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